Portland Mayor Seeks Neighboring Counties' Help on Homelessness

Wilson asks Clackamas and Washington counties to contribute millions to support Portland's homeless shelters.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:19am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone individual sitting on a park bench in downtown Portland, the scene bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and the challenges facing the city's homeless population.As Portland grapples with budget shortfalls, the mayor's plea for regional support highlights the need for a collaborative approach to addressing homelessness.Portland Today

Facing major budget shortfalls, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has sent letters to the chairs of Clackamas and Washington counties, requesting $4 million and $6 million respectively to support the city's homeless sheltering programs. Wilson argues that these shelters serve the entire region, not just Portland, and are in need of additional funding.

Why it matters

Portland is facing a $50 million general fund shortfall and a $15 million gap specifically for homeless services. By seeking financial support from neighboring counties, the mayor hopes to address the regional nature of homelessness and avoid having to cut critical shelter programs.

The details

In his letters, Mayor Wilson requested $4 million from Clackamas County to support two Southeast Portland shelters and a Northeast Portland day center, as well as $6 million from Washington County for two downtown Portland homeless shelters and a day center in Old Town. While the sites are located within Portland, Wilson argues they serve as 'emergency resources' for the entire region.

  • Mayor Wilson sent the letters to Clackamas and Washington county leaders on Wednesday, April 5, 2026.
  • Clackamas County commissioners will discuss the request at their meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2026.
  • Washington County commissioners plan to address the request at their meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Mayor Keith Wilson

The mayor of Portland, Oregon, who is leading the effort to seek financial support from neighboring counties to address the city's homelessness crisis.

Craig Roberts

The chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.

Kathryn Harrington

The chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

Candace Avalos

A Portland city councilor and chair of the council's Homelessness and Housing Committee.

Sameer Kanal

A Portland city councilor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am grateful for the leadership and collaboration of Clackamas and Washington County leaders, and their willingness to consider ways we can work together to support homeless sheltering programs.”

— Mayor Keith Wilson

“I think the mayor is somebody who fundraising to meet his goals is something that seems to be his thing. It's kind of hard to tell what the real need is as far as the entire system and who needs these dollars more; I think everyone is going to fight to say that they need their dollars.”

— Councilor Candace Avalos, Chair of the Homelessness and Housing Committee

“Any dollars we get from outside is less tax dollars going to whatever the project is.”

— Councilor Sameer Kanal

“We are partners in this problem, and we can be partners in this solution too.”

— Councilor Sameer Kanal

“We must carefully look at the financial impact of a request like this before taking any action.”

— Craig Roberts, Clackamas County Chair

What’s next

Washington County commissioners plan to discuss the mayor's request at their meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2026, while Clackamas County commissioners will take it up at their meeting an hour later on Wednesday, April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This request highlights the regional nature of homelessness and the need for greater collaboration between neighboring jurisdictions to address this complex issue. The outcome of the county commissioners' discussions will be crucial in determining whether Portland can maintain its current level of homeless services or face potential cuts.